Ramadan

Kul 'am wa intum b'khair / كل عام و أنتم بخير (May you all be well every year)

This is a Ramadan greeting along with Ramadan Mubarak / Ramadan Kareem.

This post is to tell everybody what it really is, and I felt like talking about an important month to me. This is not only an important month to me religiously, but to my heart and soul as well.

Muslim or not, read on. It's interesting, I promise.

Ramadan is not just about fasting. It's more. It's becoming closer to Allah SWT as well. It's perfecting your imperfections in religion too. It's about fixing your mistakes.

To a non-Muslim reading this, why do we fast? We fast as a means of salvation, as well as to feel for the needy and the poor. Like I said though, there's just more to it. We give charity too.

We believe during Ramadan, the gates of Jannah (heaven) open up, and the gates of Jahanam (hell) are locked, with the devil inside. So there's no one to whisper into your ear to do bad things. If it's done, it's purely out of desire or habit. That being said, it's time to get rid of all the Haram in your life, and make room for more Halal. Did I mention you earn multiple the amounts of good deeds for the good things you do? 

I think though, no matter who you are, no matter what your situation is, it shouldn't stop you from being nice to anyone. It shouldn't stop you from doing good things either. There are some really greedy, heartless people out there. Don't be one of them. See a homeless on the street? Give them a few dollars. It won't hurt you. See, a person down that needs help getting up? Help them. See a person that needs help with a simple task? Help them. List goes on, and on.

We take the time to do prayers, dua, and read and listen to more quran every day. Some people totally think it's okay to do this in Ramadan only. No, do it every day. Do good things every day.

I like Ramadan. It teaches you one main lesson in life. Appreciate Always. Appreciate the luxuries you have. Some people have nothing at all, and it just breaks my heart. Appreciate God and what he gave you, and if you don't believe in God, appreciate what the world gave you. You have food, clothes, a warm bed and a roof over your head.

Jews and Christians have similar variations to this, also known as Lent and Yom Kippur. Anyway this has turned into more of an educational post rather than a general one, but I hope you've enjoyed reading it.